Elite, while the game lists it as two levels above normal, scales much higher than that.

That said, you've got to remember that at this point, Peter and the rest of the core group that've been playing have much better gear and know most of the quests fairly well. I have +2 stat items with no minimum level for every stat, several decent bound weapons which are considerably stronger than a typical new player will have at that level, better armor, etc…

Soloing elite is more about gear and player knowledge than any thing else.

Update 11 has hit, with all new bugs, broken features, and annoying nerfs. Be sure to update before Friday.